JP2022178311A - Clothing treatment machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment machine that sterilizes and/or deodorizes clothing and prevents oxidation of clothing due to active oxygen generated by ultraviolet light.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment machine has a storage portion 3 (drum) to store clothing 30, an active oxygen generating portion 25 to release active oxygen for sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothing 30 into the storage portion 3, a fine particle feed portion 26 to release metal fine particles for preventing oxidation of the clothing 30 into the storage portion 3, and a control portion 28 to control the active oxygen generating portion 25 and the fine particle feed portion 26. The fine particle feed portion 26 has a discharge electrode 34b and a counter electrode 35b. The discharge electrode 34b includes a metal and releases fine metal particles by making discharge phenomenon occur.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to clothes processing machines.

As the user continues to wear clothes, germs in the environment and bacteria harmful to health adhere to the clothes. Furthermore, odors are generated due to dirt adhering to clothes or the metabolic activity of bacteria adhering to them, and the user's value in terms of safety, comfort, etc. of clothes is lowered.

Also, when clothing is exposed to sunlight for a long period of time, changes occur in the color, texture, etc. of the clothing. This change is said to be caused by active oxygen generated by ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight. When the clothing turns yellow or the texture of the clothing deteriorates, the user's value of the clothing decreases in the same manner as the stains on the clothing and the generation of odor.

In this way, when the user's value of clothing decreases, the user may give up wearing the clothing continuously, or may even discard the clothing.

For example, natural animal fibers such as cashmere contain a cystine site, which is a type of protein, in the molecular skeleton that constitutes the fiber, and the cystine site serves as a skeleton that connects molecular chains with disulfide (SS) bonds. Therefore, when active oxygen is generated by ultraviolet rays, the SS bonds are broken due to oxidation, and the tactile sensation such as "stiffness" of the fiber may be lowered.

In response to these problems, Patent Literature 1 proposes a washing machine that generates active oxygen such as OH radicals and ozone, which have high oxidizing power, and brings them into contact with clothes. This washing machine uses active oxygen to decompose odor-causing substances, make it easier to remove stains on clothes, and eliminate bacteria on clothes to keep them clean and hygienic. It is.

Further, Patent Document 2 proposes a hair dryer that protects hair from active oxygen generated by exposure to ultraviolet rays. This hair dryer deposits fine particles of transition metals on the hair to impart antioxidant properties.

JP-A-2005-192901 JP-A-2008-23063

Oxidizing action is required in order to prevent sterilization and deodorization of clothing and to suppress color change and deterioration of texture. Also, in order to suppress the oxidation of clothing due to ultraviolet rays, an antioxidant action is required.

A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothes processor that achieves these conflicting effects. That is, it sterilizes and/or deodorizes the clothes, and prevents the clothes from being oxidized by active oxygen generated by ultraviolet rays. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the value of the clothing due to the stain or odor of the clothing, and the color change or deterioration of the texture of the clothing.

The clothes processing machine according to the present disclosure includes a storage unit that stores clothes, an active oxygen generator that releases active oxygen for sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothes into the storage unit, and metal fine particles that suppress the oxidation of the clothes. It has a fine particle supply section for discharging into the interior of the device, and a control section for controlling the active oxygen generation section and the fine particle supply section. The fine particle supply unit has a discharge electrode and a counter electrode, and the discharge electrode contains metal and is configured to emit metal fine particles by generating a discharge phenomenon.

The clothes processing machine of the present disclosure discharges metal microparticles and active oxygen into the storage unit in which the clothes are stored, thereby disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes. and prevent clothing from oxidizing due to active oxygen generated by UV rays. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the value of the clothing due to the stain or odor of the clothing, and the color change or deterioration of the texture of the clothing.

Schematic configuration diagram of the clothes processing machine according to Embodiment 1 Block configuration diagram of the clothes processing machine according to Embodiment 1 Schematic configuration diagram of an active oxygen generator in Embodiment 1 Schematic configuration diagram of a fine particle supply unit according to Embodiment 1 Operation flowchart of the clothes processing machine according to Embodiment 1 Time chart of the clothes processing machine in Embodiment 1 Schematic diagram of the air passage of the clothes processing machine according to Embodiment 2 Time chart of the clothes processing machine in the second embodiment Schematic configuration diagram of a clothes processing machine according to Embodiment 3 Operation flowchart of the clothes processing machine according to Embodiment 3 Time chart of the clothes processing machine in Embodiment 3

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.

It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter thereby.

Next, a clothes processing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings for understanding of the present disclosure. Note that the following description is a specific example of the present disclosure, and does not limit the content of the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG.

[1-1. Constitution]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a washing/drying machine, which is a clothes processing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the clothes processing machine. The left side of FIG. 1 is the front of the clothes processing machine, the right side is the rear, the upper side is the upper side, and the lower side is the lower side.

The washing and drying machine of the present embodiment has a function of washing and drying textiles (hereinafter referred to as clothes), and also functions as a washing machine that performs only the washing function, and performs only the drying function. It also functions as a dryer and as a washer-dryer performing washing and drying functions.

Note that the clothing to be processed in the present disclosure is mainly cloth products, and includes scarves, handkerchiefs, towels, curtains, etc., and is not particularly limited as long as it is of this type. Also, the textile materials that make up clothing are vegetable fibers such as linen and cotton, animal fibers such as wool and cashmere, chemical fibers such as polyester and acrylic, and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, bedding such as blankets and floor coverings such as carpets, which are cloth products made of these fibers, are also subject to the present invention.

[1-1-1. Configuration of clothing processing machine]
The clothes processing machine includes a housing 1 formed with an inlet 5 for inserting clothes 30 and a door portion 10 for opening and closing the inlet 5 . Specifically, the inlet 5 is formed in the front wall of the housing 1, and the door portion 10 is rotatably attached to the front wall of the housing 1. As shown in FIG. As will be described later, the housing 1 accommodates various internal devices for executing a setting process, a sterilization/deodorization process, a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydration process, a fine particle supply process, and a drying process. .

A water tank 2 having a water tank opening 11 opened toward a closed door 10 is provided in the housing 1 . A water tank 2 is provided to store water in the washing process and the rinsing process. The water tank 2 is elastically supported by a suspension mechanism 4 fixed to the bottom wall of the housing 1 and configured to suppress vibration of the water tank 2 .

A sealing member 12 is provided at the water tank opening 11 of the water tank 2 in order to suppress leakage of water from the water tank opening 11 of the water tank 2 . The seal member 12 is compressed by the door portion 10 when the inlet 5 is closed by the door portion 10 .

A water supply port 14 a into which water flows during the washing process and the rinsing process is provided in the upper part of the peripheral wall of the water tub 2 . Also, a drain port 16 for draining water used in the washing process and the rinsing process of the clothes 30 is provided in the lower part of the peripheral wall of the water tank 2 .

In addition, a discharge port 27 is formed in the upper part of the front wall of the water tank 2 around the water tank opening 11, and a suction port 20 is formed in the rear wall of the water tank 2 opposite to the front wall. . The outlet 27 and the suction port 20 are used to circulate dry air for drying the clothes 30 in the drying process.

A container 3 (hereinafter referred to as a drum) is provided in the water tank 2 . The drum 3 is rotatably provided around a rotating shaft 6 . A baffle section 9 is arranged inside the drum 3 . A driving portion 8 for rotating the drum 3 and the baffle portion 9 is attached to the outer surface of the rear wall of the water tank 2 .

The water tank 2, the drum 3, and the baffle part 9 are arranged in an upwardly inclined posture (θ=about 5 degrees) toward the front of the clothes processing machine, but they may be arranged substantially horizontally. The drum 3 opens toward the inlet 5, and the clothes 30 are accommodated inside the drum 3 through the water tank opening 11. - 特許庁

A large number of small holes 7 are formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 3, and water flows in and out between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 through these small holes 7 during the washing process and the rinsing process. Also, during the drying process, dry air flows in and out between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 through these small holes 7 .

The baffle portion 9 protrudes from the center of the rear wall of the drum 3 toward the water tank opening 11 . The baffle portion 9 is provided rotatably together with the drum 3 . In the clothes processing machine, the clothes 30 in the drum 3 can be agitated and sprung up by rotating the baffle part 9 by the driving part 8 .

The drive unit 8 may be a motor (for example, a brushless DC motor) configured to rotate forward and backward. A motor shaft of this motor protrudes into the water tank 2 through a through hole (not shown) provided in the rear wall of the water tank 2 and is connected to the drum 3 and the baffle portion 9 . The drive section 8 is configured to be able to change the rotational speeds of the drum 3 and the baffle section 9 by means of a control section 28, which will be described later, under inverter control.

A rotation detection unit 31 for detecting the rotation speed of the drive unit 8 and a cloth amount detection unit 33 for detecting the cloth amount of the clothes 30 put on the drum 3 are connected to the drive unit 8 . The cloth amount detection unit 33 is configured to detect the torque applied to the drive unit 8 and/or the current flowing through the drive unit 8 . The cloth amount detection unit 33 is configured to detect cloth amount information regarding the cloth amount of the clothes 30 put into the clothes processing machine based on the magnitude of the detected torque and/or current. The rotational speed detected by the rotation detector 31 and the amount of cloth detected by the cloth amount detector 33 are used by the controller 28 to control the rotation of the drum 3 and the baffle 9, for example.

A water supply path 14 , a water supply valve 13 provided in the water supply path 14 , and a detergent box 15 are provided above the water tub 2 to supply water and detergent to the clothes 30 in the drum 3 . The upstream end of the water supply path 14 is exposed on the outer surface of the housing 1 and configured to be connectable to a hose (not shown) extending from a faucet of water supply (not shown). Further, the downstream end of the water supply path 14 is connected to the water supply port 14 a of the water tank 2 .

The water supply valve 13 is configured to open and close the water supply path 14 , and is arranged upstream of the detergent box 15 in the direction of water flow in the water supply path 14 . The detergent box 15 is configured to accommodate detergent. Further, the detergent box 15 is configured so that the water passing through the detergent box 15 dissolves the detergent when the water supply valve 13 is opened.

A drainage path 18 used for draining water from the water tank 2 is provided below the water tank 2 . The drainage path 18 extends from the drainage port 16 of the water tank 2 to the outside of the housing 1 .

A filter unit 19 , a drain valve 17 and a water amount detector 32 are provided in the drain path 18 .

The filter unit 19 is configured to remove fibers (lint) contained in the water drained from the water tank 2 .

The drain valve 17 is provided downstream of the filter section 19 in the direction of water flow in the drain path 18 and is configured to open and close the drain path 18 .

The water volume detector 32 detects the volume of water supplied to the water tank 2 . The amount of water detected by the water amount detector 32 is used to control the water supply valve 13 and the drain valve 17 .

An air passage 21 connected to a discharge port 27 and a suction port 20 of the water tank 2 is provided outside the water tank 2 . An airflow generating section 22 , a dehumidifying section 23 , and a heating section 24 are arranged in the air passage 21 .

The airflow generator 22 is configured to generate an airflow in the air path 21 so as to suck out the air in the water tank 2 through the suction port 20 and send the air toward the discharge port 27 . Since the air passage 21 is connected to the outlet 27 of the water tank 2 , this airflow flows into the drum 3 inside the water tank 2 . This airflow is used to dry the clothes 30 in the drum 3 during the drying process. The airflow generator 22 may be configured by, for example, a blower fan.

The dehumidifying section 23 is arranged downstream of the airflow generating section 22 in the air flow direction in the air passage 21 . The dehumidifying section 23 is configured to dehumidify the air by cooling the air sent out by the airflow generating section 22 to cause dew condensation. For example, the dehumidifying section 23 may have a flow path through which a coolant flows, a pump for sending the coolant to the flow path, and a cooling device for cooling the coolant (not shown).

The heating section 24 is arranged downstream of the airflow generating section 22 and the dehumidifying section 23 in the direction of air flow in the air passage 21 . The heating unit 24 is configured to heat the air dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit 23 to generate dry air for drying the clothes 30 . For example, the heating section 24 may have a number of fins and a heater for heating these fins (not shown).

In the present embodiment, since the clothes processing machine has a drying function for the clothes 30 accommodated in the drum 3, the dehumidifying section 23 and the heating section 24 are provided. The dehumidifying section 23 and the heating section 24 are not provided in a clothes processing machine that does not have a drying function.

The active oxygen generator 25 is arranged and configured to supply the clothing 30 with active oxygen for sterilization and/or deodorization, as will be described later.

The fine particle supply unit 26 is arranged and configured to supply the clothes 30 with metal fine particles that suppress the oxidation of the clothes 30 as will be described later.

A control unit 28 is provided to control the drive unit 8, the water supply valve 13, the drain valve 17, the airflow generation unit 22, the dehumidification unit 23, the heating unit 24, the active oxygen generation unit 25, and the fine particle supply unit 26 described above. ing. Specifically, the control unit 28 is arranged near the lower portion of the front wall of the housing 1, and as shown in FIG. It is electrically connected to the airflow generation section 22 , the active oxygen generation section 25 , the fine particle supply section 26 , the rotation detection section 31 , the water amount detection section 32 , the cloth amount detection section 33 and the operation panel 29 .

The operation panel 29 is arranged in the vicinity of the upper portion of the front wall of the housing 1, and receives an input operation from the user in order to set the control operation by the control section 28 (that is, the washing operation course of the clothes processing machine). The operation panel 29 has, for example, buttons operated by the user (for example, operation buttons (not shown) for starting and stopping the clothes processing machine).

The functions of the control unit 28 may be realized by a microcomputer and peripheral circuits, for example. Note that the microcomputer and peripheral circuits may be of any form as long as they perform the control described later. The control unit 28 may be composed of an arithmetic processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit (not shown) that stores a control program. Examples of the arithmetic processing unit include an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A memory is exemplified as the storage unit. A control program recorded in the storage unit is executed by the arithmetic processing unit.

Although the control program is recorded in advance in the storage unit, it may be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet.

Also, the control unit 28 may be configured by hard logic (not shown). If configured with hardware logic, it is effective in improving the processing speed. Each component may be composed of one semiconductor chip, or physically composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips. When the control unit 28 is composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips, each control, which will be described later, can be realized by separate semiconductor chips. It can also be realized by combining the aforementioned microcomputer and peripheral circuits with the later-described hard logic.

[1-1-2. Configuration of Active Oxygen Generator]
The active oxygen generator 25 releases into the drum 3 at least one of a plurality of active oxygen species, such as OH radicals and ozone, for disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 . The active oxygen generator 25 carries the airflow generated by the airflow generator 22 and transports the active oxygen to the clothes 30 in the drum 3 . located downstream of the Thereby, the active oxygen can be supplied to the clothes 30 without being captured by the dehumidifying section 23 and the heating section 24 .

A schematic diagram of the active oxygen generator 25 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the flow of air is indicated by solid arrows, and the movement of active oxygen is indicated by dashed arrows.

The active oxygen generating section 25 includes a discharge electrode 34a, a flat counter electrode 35a facing the tip of the discharge electrode 34a, a support section 36 for supporting the counter electrode 35a, and an opening 37a for releasing active oxygen.

The counter electrode 35a is formed using SUS (Steel Use Stainless) or the like. The opening 37a is provided through the opposing electrode 35a at a location closest to the discharge electrode 34a.

The active oxygen generating section 25 also includes a voltage applying section 38a composed of an igniter type high voltage generating circuit, a heat radiating fin 39, and a cooling module 40. As shown in FIG. The voltage application unit 38a applies a voltage of, for example, -3 kV _DC between the discharge electrode 34a and the counter electrode 35a to generate a discharge phenomenon. Thereby, the active oxygen generator 25 releases active oxygen from the discharge electrode 34a. The active oxygen is released to the external space of the active oxygen generator 25 through the opening 37a.

The control unit 28 controls the voltage application unit 38a to control the current value flowing through the counter electrode 35a. As a result, the active oxygen generator 25 can control the amount of active oxygen generated, stably release active oxygen with little variation over time.

In order to attach active oxygen to the clothing 30 efficiently, it is preferable that the active oxygen be conjugated with water molecules in the air and carried to the vicinity of the clothing 30 . Therefore, by fixing the discharge electrode 34a on the cooling module 40 having the radiating fins 39, the discharge electrode 34a is cooled and the water molecules in the air are condensed on the tip of the discharge electrode 34a. As a result, a discharge phenomenon is generated in a state where water molecules are condensed in the discharge electrode 34a, whereby active oxygen is bound to the water molecules and released through the openings 37a.

The configuration of the active oxygen generator 25 described above is merely an example, and the configuration is not limited to this configuration as long as it releases active oxygen for disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 into the drum 3 .

[1-1-3. Configuration of Fine Particle Supply Unit]
The fine particle supply unit 26 discharges metal fine particles into the drum 3 that suppress the oxidation of the clothes 30 . The fine metal particles only need to have a property of suppressing the oxidation effect of active oxygen on the clothing 30. For example, such fine metal particles include platinum, gold, silver, copper, zinc, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, and osmium. fine particles.

The fine particle supply unit 26 separates the dehumidifying unit 23 and the heating unit 24 from each other in the air flow direction in the air passage 21 in order to carry the fine metal particles onto the clothes 30 in the drum 3 on the air current generated by the air current generating unit 22 . placed downstream. Thereby, the metal microparticles can be supplied to the clothing 30 without being captured by the dehumidifying section 23 and the heating section 24 .

Furthermore, it is desirable that the fine particle supply unit 26 be provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 27 in the air passage 21 downstream of the active oxygen generation unit 25 in the air flow. As a result, it is possible to shorten the distance that the metal microparticles, which are heavier than the active oxygen, move in the air passage 21 and are conveyed to the clothing 30 . That is, it is possible to prevent the metal microparticles from dropping in the middle of the air passage 21 and efficiently feed the metal microparticles into the drum 3 .

FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the fine particle supply unit 26. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the movement of the fine metal particles is indicated by dashed arrows. The fine particle supply unit 26 includes a rod-shaped discharge electrode 34b and a plate-shaped counter electrode 35b, and is configured to emit metal fine particles by electric discharge.

The discharge electrode 34b contains a metal (for example, platinum, gold, silver, copper, zinc, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium or osmium) that suppresses the oxidation of active oxygen by adhering to the clothing 30 in the form of fine particles. ing. The discharge electrode 34b may be made of such a metal, or may be composed mainly of such a metal.

A grounded voltage applying section 38b is electrically connected to the discharge electrode 34b. The voltage applying section 38b is configured to apply a voltage to the discharge electrode 34b. The voltage application unit 38b may be configured using, for example, an igniter type high voltage circuit.

The voltage application unit 38b applies a voltage of, for example, 3 kV _DC between the discharge electrode 34b and the counter electrode 35b to generate a discharge phenomenon, thereby emitting fine metal particles from the discharge electrode 34b side. The control unit 28 controls the voltage application unit 38b to control the current value flowing through the counter electrode 35b. As a result, the fine particle supply unit 26 can control the amount of metal fine particles generated, and can stably discharge the metal fine particles with little variation over time.

The counter electrode 35b has a flat plate shape and is formed using SUS or the like at a position facing the tip of the discharge electrode 34b. The counter electrode 35b is arranged so that the opening 37b faces the tip of the discharge electrode 34b while being grounded. Therefore, the fine metal particles discharged from the tip of the discharge electrode 34b are discharged into the air passage 21 while expanding in the radial direction of the opening 37b.

The discharge electrode 34b and the counter electrode 35b are fixed in a housing (not shown) made of polycarbonate resin, for example. The counter electrode 35b contains a metal (for example, platinum, gold, silver, copper, zinc, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium or osmium) that suppresses the oxidation of active oxygen by adhering to the clothing 30 in the form of fine particles. may or may not be included.

The configuration of the fine particle supply unit 26 described above is merely an example, and the configuration is not limited to this configuration as long as the fine metal particles that suppress the oxidation of the clothes are discharged into the drum 3 .

As described above, the clothes processing machine includes the drum 3 that houses the clothes 30, the active oxygen generator 25 that releases active oxygen into the drum 3 for disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30, and the oxidation of the clothes 30. and a control unit 28 for controlling the active oxygen generating unit 25 and the fine particle supply unit 26 . The fine particle supply unit 26 has a discharge electrode 34b and a counter electrode 35b. The discharge electrode 34b contains metal and is configured to emit metal fine particles by generating a discharge phenomenon.

In addition, the clothes processing machine has an air passage 21 in which an active oxygen generating section 25 and a fine particle supplying section 26 are arranged and which is extended to the drum 3, and an active oxygen and fine particles released from the active oxygen generating section 25. and an airflow generation unit 22 that generates an airflow that conveys the metal fine particles discharged from the supply unit 26 toward the drum 3 through the air passage 21 . The fine particle supply unit 26 may be provided downstream of the active oxygen generation unit 25 in the air flow path 21 .

[1-2. motion]
The operation and effect of the clothes processing machine constructed as described above will be described below. FIG. 5 shows an operational flow chart of the clothes processing machine.

Under the control of the control unit 28, the clothes processing machine performs a washing operation course including a setting process (step S1), a sterilization/deodorization process (step S2), a washing process (step S3), a rinsing process (step S4), and a dehydration process. (Step S5), a fine particle supply step (Step S6) and a drying step (Step S7) are executed.

The sterilization and deodorization step is provided for supplying the active enzyme species described above to the clothing 30 for sterilization and/or deodorization. Further, the fine particle supply step is provided to supply the metal fine particles described above to the clothing 30 to suppress oxidation.

Note that a clothes processing machine that does not have a drying function does not have a drying process (step S7). In addition, in the setting process, the user can set so as to omit at least one of the disinfecting and deodorizing process, the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydrating process, or the fine particle supplying process according to the desired washing operation course. can be done.

First, the user opens the openable/closable door portion 10 provided on the front surface of the housing 1 and throws the clothes 30 into the drum 3 through the inlet 5 . Before or after putting on the clothes 30, the user turns on the power switch (not shown) of the operation panel 29 provided on the front part of the upper surface of the housing 1, and operates the selection switch (not shown). A washing operation course is selected, and a start switch (not shown) is operated to start operation of the clothes processing machine. The control unit 28 executes the following setting steps.

In the setting step (step S<b>1 ), the clothes processing machine detects the amount of clothes 30 put into the drum 3 by the amount detector 33 . The amount of clothes 30 is detected from the amount of torque applied to the drive unit 8 and/or the value of the current flowing through the drive unit 8 when the drum 3 rotates. Based on the amount of torque and/or the current value, the cloth amount detection unit 33 detects the amount of cloth 30 that has been put in, and outputs it to the control unit 28 as cloth amount information.

The controller 28 determines, for example, the following setting items based on the laundry amount information from the laundry amount detector 33 .
- The length of time required for the sterilization/deodorization process, washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process, fine particle supply process, and drying process.
- The operation pattern of the drive unit 8 and the operation pattern of the airflow generation unit 22 in the sterilization and deodorization process, the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, the fine particle supply process, and the drying process.
- The amount of water supplied and the opening/closing timing of the water supply valve 13 and the drain valve 17 in the washing process and the rinsing process.
- Generation timing and generation amount of active oxygen in the sterilization and deodorization step (for example, current value flowing to the counter electrode 35a).
• Timing and supply amount of the metal fine particles in the fine particle supply step (for example, the current value flowing through the counter electrode 35b).

When the cloth amount of the clothes 30 is larger than the predetermined value, the amount of active oxygen generated in the sterilization and deodorization process is set to increase. For example, the discharge time length and/or the current value flowing through the active oxygen generating section 25 (that is, the voltage applied by the voltage applying section 38a) is set to a large value. When the cloth amount of the clothes 30 is smaller than a predetermined value, the amount of active oxygen generated in the sterilization and deodorization process may be set to be small.

Further, when the cloth amount of the clothing 30 is larger than a predetermined value, the supply amount of the metal fine particles in the fine particle supply step is set to be large. For example, the discharge time length and/or the value of the current flowing through the particle supplying section 26 (that is, the voltage applied by the voltage applying section 38b) is set to a large value. Further, when the cloth amount of the clothing 30 is smaller than a predetermined value, the supply amount of the metal fine particles in the fine particle supply step may be set to be small.

The control unit 28 displays on the operation panel 29 the detergent amount preset according to the cloth amount of the clothes 30 . The user puts the detergent into the detergent box 15 according to the amount of detergent displayed on the operation panel 29 .

When the clothing processing machine finishes the setting step (step S1), that is, when the control unit 28 completes the setting of the above-described setting items (time length of each step, etc.), the control unit 28 causes the clothing processing machine to perform sterilization. The driving section 8, the active oxygen generating section 25 and the airflow generating section 22 are controlled so as to perform the deodorizing step (step S2).

A time chart of the clothes processing machine is shown in FIG. The clothes processing machine performs a disinfecting and deodorizing process, a washing process, a rinsing process, a dewatering process, a fine particle supply process, and a drying process. In FIG. 6, the sterilization/deodorization process and the fine particle supply process are mainly described, and descriptions of the washing process to the dehydration process are omitted. Also, the description of the drying process, which is the next process after the fine particle supply process, is omitted.

In the sterilization and deodorization step (step S2), the control section 28 controls the drive section 8 to rotate the drum 3 and agitate the clothes 30 inside the drum 3 . The rotation speed of the drum 3 in the sterilization and deodorization process may be higher than the rotation speed in the fine particle supply process, which will be described later. For example, the drum rotation speed is 40 rpm in the sterilization and deodorization process. As a result, the concentration of active oxygen in the drum 3 can be made uniform, and sterilization and/or deodorization can be promoted while spreading the clothes 30 .

The rotating operation of the drum 3 may be one-way rotation or may repeat forward and reverse rotations at predetermined time intervals. Also, a stop period of a predetermined time may be provided in the middle of the rotation operation. The drum 3 may rotate in one direction as long as the clothes 30 in the drum 3 are not easily entangled. For example, the controller 28 switches the rotation operation of the drum 3 according to the amount of clothes 30 .

The control unit 28 starts controlling the airflow generating unit 22 in synchronization with the start of the above control for the driving unit 8 . The control unit 28 controls the airflow generation unit 22 so that the airflow generation unit 22 generates an airflow with a predetermined strength. For example, the controller 28 drives the blower fan that constitutes the airflow generator 22 . In addition, the strength of the airflow is determined in relation to the velocity and flow rate of the airflow flowing through the air passage 21 .

The airflow generated by the airflow generation section 22 in the sterilization and deodorization process is used to carry the active oxygen generated from the discharge electrode 34 a to the clothes 30 in the drum 3 . Therefore, the strength and/or the generation time of the airflow generated by the airflow generation unit 22, that is, at least one of the strength of the airflow and the generation time of the airflow is determined by the drum 3 in which the clothes 30 are accommodated. It is set to have a size sufficient for active oxygen generated from the discharge electrode 34a to flow therein.

Further, in the sterilization and deodorization process, the control section 28 may control the airflow generation section 22 so that the strength of the airflow in the air passage 21 is weaker than that in the fine particle supply process, which will be described later. For example, the control unit 28 sets the strength of the airflow generation by the airflow generation unit 22 to weak.

The control unit 28 starts controlling the active oxygen generating unit 25 in synchronization with the start of the above-described control over the driving unit 8 and the airflow generating unit 22 .

The control section 28 controls the voltage applying section 38a to apply a voltage to the discharge electrode 34a. As a result, a potential difference occurs between the discharge electrode 34a and the counter electrode 35a, and discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 34a and the counter electrode 35a. Due to the discharge, active oxygen is released from the discharge electrode 34a. The active oxygen is then released into the air passage 21 through the opening 37a of the counter electrode 35a. In this embodiment, the discharge between the discharge electrode 34a and the counter electrode 35a is performed according to the generation timing set as described above by the controller 28 in the setting step.

The active oxygen released into the air passage 21 flows through the air passage 21 riding on the air current generated by the air current generating section 22 . After that, the active oxygen enters the water tank 2 through the outlet 27 of the water tank 2 and further flows into the drum 3 . When the airflow passes through the discharge port 27, the airflow expands, so that the active oxygen flowing along with the airflow also diffuses and flows within the water tank 2 and the drum 3. - 特許庁The clothes 30 are agitated in the drum 3, and active oxygen adheres to the agitated clothes 30. As shown in FIG.

After continuing the discharge between the discharge electrode 34a and the counter electrode 35a for the discharge time length t1 set in the setting step, the control unit 28 controls the voltage application unit 38a to stop applying the voltage to the discharge electrode 34a. That is, the discharge in the active oxygen generator 25 ends.

Note that the control unit 28 may start controlling the driving unit 8 and/or the airflow generating unit 22 before or after starting control of the active oxygen generating unit 25 .

Furthermore, if the airflow generator 22 continues to operate after the discharge ends, the period during which the active oxygen floats in the drum 3 can be extended, and the adhesion of the active oxygen to the clothes 30 can be promoted. In addition, if the drive unit 8 continues to operate after the end of the discharge, the clothes 30 are agitated, and active oxygen can be promoted to adhere to various parts of the clothes 30 . Therefore, the control unit 28 controls the driving unit 8 and the airflow generation unit 22 to operate for the predetermined time length t2.

Thus, the clothes processing machine finishes the sterilization and deodorization process (step S2), and shifts to the washing process (step S3).

The control unit 28 controls the driving unit 8, the water supply valve 13 and the water discharge valve 17 so that the clothes processing machine performs the washing process. Specifically, the controller 28 controls the water supply valve 13 and the drainage valve 17 to open the water supply path 14 and close the drainage path 18 .

When the water supply valve 13 opens the water supply path 14 , water flows through the water supply path 14 and flows into the detergent box 15 . The water dissolves the detergent in the detergent box 15 and flows out of the detergent box 15. - 特許庁After that, the water containing the detergent flows into the water tank 2 through the water supply port 14a of the water tank 2. As shown in FIG. At this time, since the drain valve 17 is closed, the water is stored in the water tank 2. - 特許庁

The amount of water supplied to the water tank 2 is monitored by the water amount detector 32 . The water amount detection unit 32 transmits water amount information indicating the amount of water in the water tank 2 to the control unit 28 . When the amount of water represented by the water amount information reaches the amount of water supply set in the setting step, the control unit 28 controls the water supply valve 13 to close the water supply path 14 .

After that, the control unit 28 controls the driving unit 8 according to the operation pattern set for the washing process. For example, the control unit 28 causes the driving unit to rotate the drum 3 at a rotational speed (for example, 45 rpm) at which the clothes 30 move upward as the drum 3 rotates, and then the clothes 30 that have moved upward fall. 8 is controlled.

The drum 3 is rotated by the driving portion 8, and the clothes 30 in the drum 3 are lifted in the rotating direction by the baffle portion 9 and dropped from above, and are slammed against the bottom surface of the drum 3 or the clothes 30 accumulated on the bottom of the drum 3. The slap washing is carried out by its mechanical force, in conjunction with the chemical force of the detergent. That is, the clothes 30 are beat-washed.

If the drum 3 rotates at such a rotational speed, it is possible to wash the clothes 30 against the inner peripheral surface of the drum 3 by beating. The control unit 28 may control the driving unit 8 so that the drum 3 repeats forward and reverse rotations at such a rotational speed every predetermined period.

Note that after the above-described beating washing is continued for a predetermined period (for example, 9 minutes), the control unit 28 may perform intermediate dehydration processing (dehydration processing performed in the washing process). At this time, the controller 28 controls the drain valve 17 to open the drain path 18 . Further, the control unit 28 controls the driving unit 8 so that the drum 3 rotates at a rotational speed higher than that during the above-described beating washing for a predetermined period of time, thereby centrifugally separating moisture contained in the clothes 30 . After the intermediate dehydration process is finished, the control section 28 controls the driving section 8, the water supply valve 13 and the drainage valve 17 so that the clothes processing machine performs the rinsing process.

After the washing process (step S3) is completed, the control section 28 controls the drive section 8 so that the clothes processing machine performs the rinsing process (step S4). The control unit 28 performs control to store a predetermined amount of water in the water tank 2, as in the washing process. At this time, since the detergent in the detergent box 15 has already been used in the washing process, the water stored in the water tank 2 does not contain any detergent.

After a predetermined amount of water is stored in the water tank 2, the driving section 8 is controlled by the control section 28 so that the clothes 30 in the drum 3 are agitated.

After the clothes 30 have been agitated for a length of time sufficient to remove the detergent from the clothes 30 , the controller 28 controls the drain valve 17 to open the drain path 18 . An intermediate dehydration process similar to that performed in the washing process may also be performed between the rinsing processes.

After the rinsing process (step S4), the control section 28 controls the drive section 8 so that the clothes processing machine performs the dehydration process (step S5). In the dehydration process, the control unit 28 controls the driving unit 8 so that the drum 3 rotates forward at a relatively high rotational speed (eg, 900 rpm).

When the dehydration process (step S5) has been performed for the set length of time, the control unit 28 ends the dehydration process, and as shown in FIG. Let

The control unit 28 controls the driving unit 8 to rotate the drum 3 so that the driving unit 8 operates according to the operation pattern set for the fine particle supply step. The rotation of the drum 3 agitates the clothes 30 within the drum 3 . As a result, the overlapped portion of the clothes 30 stored in the drum 3 is exposed, and the fine metal particles blown into the drum 3 can be adhered to the clothes 30 with less bias.

Therefore, it is preferable that the rotation speed of the drum 3 is such that the clothes 30 are agitated and do not stick to the inner wall of the drum 3 and the clothes 30 are not piled up. For example, the rotation speed of the drum 3 in the fine particle supply process may be the same as that in the sterilization and deodorization process, but is preferably lower than that in the sterilization and deodorization process, as shown in FIG. The rotation speed is, for example, 20 rpm.

That is, the sterilization and deodorization effect of active oxygen is obtained by contacting the surface of the clothing 30 with the active oxygen, whereas the anti-oxidation effect of the metal fine particles is obtained by carrying the metal fine particles on the surface of the clothing 30. effect is obtained. Therefore, the rotation speed of the drum 3 in the fine particle supply process is made lower than the rotation speed in the sterilization and deodorization process to promote the carrying of the metal fine particles on the surface of the clothing 30 . As a result, in the sterilization and deodorization step, the concentration of active oxygen in the drum 3 is made uniform, sterilization and/or deodorization is performed while spreading the clothes 30, and in the fine particle supply step, the amount of metal fine particles carried on the clothes 30 is reduced. can be increased.

The rotating operation of the drum 3 may be one-way rotation or may repeat forward and reverse rotations at predetermined time intervals. Also, a stop period of a predetermined time may be provided in the middle of the rotation operation. The drum 3 may rotate in one direction as long as the clothes 30 in the drum 3 are not easily entangled. For example, the controller 28 switches the rotation operation of the drum 3 according to the amount of clothes 30 .

The control unit 28 starts controlling the airflow generating unit 22 in synchronization with the start of the above control for the driving unit 8 . The control unit 28 controls the airflow generation unit 22 so that the airflow generation unit 22 generates an airflow with a predetermined strength. The airflow generated by the airflow generating section 22 in the fine particle supply process is used to carry the metal fine particles generated from the discharge electrode 34 b to the clothes 30 in the drum 3 . Therefore, the strength and/or the generation time of the airflow generated by the airflow generation unit 22 is set to be large enough for the fine metal particles generated from the discharge electrode 34b to flow into the drum 3 in which the clothes 30 are accommodated. is set to be Preferably, the strength of the airflow is set to a magnitude that allows air to pass through the fibers of the garment 30 .

In addition, the control unit 28 may control the airflow generation unit 22 so that the strength of the airflow in the air passage 21 is stronger in the fine particle supply process than in the sterilization and deodorization process. For example, the control unit 28 sets the intensity of airflow generation by the airflow generation unit 22 to strong. As a result, the clothes processing machine can blow into the drum 3 the fine metal particles, which are heavier than the active oxygen.

In addition, the control unit 28 may control the airflow generation unit 22 so that the generation time of the airflow in the air passage 21 is longer in the fine particle supply step than in the sterilization and deodorization step (Fig. 6, (t1+t2)<t3). As a result, the clothes processing machine can blow into the drum 3 the fine metal particles, which are heavier than the active oxygen.

The control unit 28 starts controlling the fine particle supply unit 26 in synchronization with the start of the above-described control of the driving unit 8 and the airflow generating unit 22 .

The control section 28 controls the voltage applying section 38b to apply a voltage to the discharge electrode 34b. As a result, a potential difference occurs between the discharge electrode 34b and the counter electrode 35b, and discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 34b and the counter electrode 35b. Due to the discharge, fine metal particles are emitted from the discharge electrode 34b. The fine metal particles are then discharged into the air passage 21 through the opening 37b of the counter electrode 35b.

In this embodiment, the discharge between the discharge electrode 34b and the counter electrode 35b is continuously performed over a set discharge time length t3 (for example, 5 minutes).

The fine metal particles released into the air passage 21 flow through the air passage 21 riding on the air current generated by the air current generating section 22 . After that, the fine metal particles enter the water tank 2 through the outlet 27 and then flow into the drum 3 . When the airflow passes through the discharge port 27 , the airflow spreads, so that the fine metal particles flowing along with the airflow also diffuse and flow within the water tank 2 and the drum 3 . In the drum 3, the wet clothes 30 after the dehydration process and before the drying process are agitated, and the fine metal particles are carried on the surface of the agitated clothes 30. As shown in FIG.

After the discharge between the discharge electrode 34b and the counter electrode 35b is continued for the set discharge time length t3, the fine particle supply step (step S6) ends. That is, the discharge in the fine particle supply section 26 is terminated.

Note that the control unit 28 may start controlling the driving unit 8 and/or the airflow generating unit 22 before or after starting control of the fine particle supply unit 26 .

After that, the control section 28 controls the driving section 8, the heating section 24, the dehumidifying section 23, and the airflow generating section 22 so as to cause the clothes processing machine to perform the drying process (step S7). Note that the control unit 28 may control the airflow generation unit 22 so that an airflow having substantially the same strength as that in the fine particle supply step flows through the air path 21 in the drying process. Further, in the drying process, the control section 28 may control the driving section 8 so that the driving section 8 operates in the same operation pattern as in the fine particle supplying process, thereby continuing to agitate the clothes 30 in the drum 3 .

In the drying process, the control unit 28 controls the dehumidifying unit 23 so that the refrigerant flows, causing dew condensation in the dehumidifying unit 23 . As a result, moisture is removed from the airflow generated by the airflow generating section 22 . Further, the control unit 28 controls the heating unit 24 so that current flows through the heater, and the airflow is heated. Dry air obtained by heating the airflow is supplied to the water tank 2 and the drum 3 through the air passage 21 to dry the clothes 30 in the drum 3 .

As described above, the clothes processing machine includes a sterilization and deodorization process in which the active oxygen generator 25 disinfects and/or deodorizes the clothes 30, and a fine particle supply process in which the fine particle supply part 26 suppresses oxidation of the clothes 30. , provided. The control unit 28 may be configured to perform the fine particle supply step after performing the sterilization and deodorization step.

Note that the clothes processing machine may perform the fine particle supply step (step S6) and the drying step (step S7) in a different order. Also, part or all of the drying process may be performed in the fine particle supply process. That is, in the fine particle supply step, the control unit 28 controls the heating unit 24 and the dehumidifying unit 23 to operate, as in the drying step.

In addition, the control unit 28 sets the flow rate and/or generation time of the airflow when the fine particle supply unit 26 suppresses the oxidation of the clothing 30 to the time when the active oxygen generation unit 25 disinfects and/or deodorizes the clothing 30. may be configured to be greater than the airflow of

The clothes processing machine also includes a drive unit 8 that rotates the drum 3 , and the control unit 28 controls the drive unit 8 to control the rotation of the drum 3 when the fine particle supply unit 26 suppresses the oxidation of the clothes 30 . The rotation speed may be configured to be lower than the rotation speed of the drum 3 when disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 by the active oxygen generator 25 .

[1-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the clothes processing machine includes the drum 3 (accommodating portion) that accommodates the clothes 30 and the active oxygen that releases active oxygen for sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 into the drum 3. An oxygen generator 25 , a fine particle supply unit 26 for releasing metal fine particles for suppressing oxidation of the clothes 30 into the drum 3 , and a control unit 28 for controlling the active oxygen generator 25 and the fine particle supply unit 26 . The fine particle supply unit 26 has a discharge electrode 34b and a counter electrode 35b. The discharge electrode 34b contains metal and is configured to emit metal fine particles by generating a discharge phenomenon.

With this configuration, the clothes processing machine sterilizes and/or deodorizes the clothes by releasing the metal fine particles and active oxygen into the storage part (drum 3) in which the clothes are stored. Prevents oxidation of clothing caused by active oxygen. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the value of the clothing due to the stain or odor of the clothing, and the color change or deterioration of the texture of the clothing.

That is, the clothes processing machine sterilizes and/or deodorizes the clothes 30 with active oxygen, suppresses the generation of unpleasant odor substances generated by the metabolic activity of fungi adhering to the clothes 30, and removes the clothes 30 with fine metal particles. Oxidation is suppressed, and when the user puts on the clothing 30 or when the clothing 30 is dried outside, the change in the texture of the clothing 30 due to the change in the molecular structure from the oxidation reaction due to the active oxygen generated by exposure to ultraviolet rays, and the change in the texture of the clothing. Fading of the garment 30 caused by chemical changes in the dyes used in the garment 30 can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the clothes processing machine includes a sterilization and deodorization step of sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 by the active oxygen generator 25, and a supply step. The control unit 28 may be configured to perform the fine particle supply step after performing the sterilization and deodorization step.

With this configuration, the clothes processing machine can achieve both the sterilization/deodorization effect and the oxidation suppression effect.

For example, the washing process is performed after the sterilization and deodorization process. It is possible to improve the cleaning effect against Further, by performing the fine particle supplying process after the sterilization and deodorizing process or after the washing process to the dehydration process, the fine particle supplying process can be performed immediately before the user hangs the clothes 30 to dry or puts on.

Further, in the present embodiment, the clothes processing machine includes an air passage 21 in which an active oxygen generator 25 and a fine particle supply unit 26 are arranged and which is extended to the drum 3, and the active oxygen generator 25 emits and an airflow generation unit 22 for generating an airflow for transporting the generated active oxygen and the metal fine particles discharged from the fine particle supply unit 26 toward the drum 3 through the air passage 21 . The fine particle supply unit 26 may be provided downstream of the active oxygen generation unit 25 in the air flow path 21 .

With this configuration, the fine particle supply unit 26 can be provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 27 on the air flow downstream side of the active oxygen generation unit 25 in the air passage 21 . Therefore, the clothes processing machine can shorten the distance that the metal microparticles, which are heavy compared to the active oxygen, move from the air passage 21 to the clothes 30 . Moreover, it is possible to prevent the metal microparticles released from the microparticle supply unit 26 from coming into contact with the active oxygen generation unit 25 and falling in the airflow, so that the metal microparticles can be efficiently sent to the clothes 30 in the drum 3 . .

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 28 controls the flow rate and/or the generation time of the airflow when the fine particle supply unit 26 suppresses the oxidation of the clothing 30 by the active oxygen generation unit 25 for sterilization and disinfection of the clothing 30 . / Or it may be configured to be larger than the airflow when performing deodorization.

With this configuration, the clothes processing machine allows the fine metal particles, which are heavier than the active oxygen, to pass through the air passage 2.
It is possible to efficiently feed the fine metal particles into the drum 3 while preventing them from dropping in the middle of the process 1. As a result, the time required for the fine particle supply step and/or the amount of metal fine particles released per unit time can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the clothes processing machine includes a drive unit 8 that rotates the drum 3 , and the control unit 28 controls the drive unit 8 so that the fine particle supply unit 26 suppresses the oxidation of the clothes 30 . The rotational speed of the drum 3 when disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 by the active oxygen generator 25 may be lower than the rotational speed of the drum 3 when disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 .

With this configuration, the clothes processing machine makes the concentration of active oxygen in the drum 3 uniform, performs sterilization and/or deodorization while spreading the clothes 30, and increases the amount of fine metal particles supported on the clothes 30. It becomes possible.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.

[2-1. Constitution]
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the air passage 21 of the clothes processing machine according to the second embodiment. In Embodiment 2, the clothes processing machine includes a first air passage 43 having an active oxygen generator 25 that releases active oxygen for disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 into the drum 3, A second air passage 44 having a fine particle supply unit 26 for discharging metal fine particles that suppress the and an air path switching unit 42 for sending to 3.

Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the first embodiment is used for detailed description.

In the clothes processing machine of Embodiment 2, the downstream side of the heating section 24 in the air passage 21 is connected to the first air passage 43 and the second air passage 44 through the air passage switching portion 42 . Furthermore, the airflow that has passed through the first air passage 43 and the second air passage 44 flows into the drum 3 in the water tub 2 from the first outlet 27a and the second outlet 27b. That is, in the first embodiment, the active oxygen generating section 25 and the fine particle supply section 26 are arranged in series, but in the second embodiment, the active oxygen generating section 25 and the fine particle supply section 26 are arranged in parallel.

Thereby, air blowing conditions suitable for the active oxygen generating section 25 and the fine particle supplying section 26 can be set. For example, by making the cross-sectional areas of the first air passage 43 and the second air passage 44 different, the first air passage 43 and the second air passage 44 can be used without changing the operation of the air flow generation unit 22. The flow speed of the flowing air can be varied.

For example, in FIG. 7, the cross-sectional area S1 of the first air passage 43 provided with the active oxygen generating section 25 is larger than the cross-sectional area S2 of the second air passage 44 provided with the fine particle supply section 26. . As a result, the flow velocity v2 of the airflow flowing through the second air passage 44 is increased more than the flow velocity v1 of the airflow flowing through the first air passage 43 without changing the flow velocity v0 by the blower fan that constitutes the airflow generating section 22, and the metal Fine particles can be efficiently sent to the drum 3.

Further, by branching the air passage 21 into the first air passage 43 and the second air passage 44, the first outlet 27a for sending the active oxygen from the active oxygen generating section 25 and the fine metal particle supplying section 26 for supplying the metal fine particles. The second discharge port 27b, which feeds from, may be appropriately installed. For example, the second ejection port 27b for fine metal particles is preferably located at a position where the fine particles are ejected toward the clothes 30 inside the drum 3 . This is because the metal microparticles are heavier than the active oxygen.
Moreover, the first discharge port 27 a for active oxygen may be located at a position where it is discharged into the drum 3 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance from the fine particle supply section 26 to the second outlet 27b may be shortened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of fine metal particles falling within the second air passage 44 and effectively carry the fine metal particles onto the clothing 30 .

As described above, the clothes processing machine includes the drum 3 that houses the clothes 30, the active oxygen generator 25 that releases active oxygen into the drum 3 for disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30, and the oxidation of the clothes 30. and a control unit 28 for controlling the active oxygen generating unit 25 and the fine particle supply unit 26 . The fine particle supply unit 26 has a discharge electrode 34b and a counter electrode 35b. The discharge electrode 34b contains metal and is configured to emit metal fine particles by generating a discharge phenomenon.

In addition, the clothes processing machine has a first air passage 43 in which the active oxygen generating section 25 is arranged and which is extended to the drum 3, and a fine particle supply section 26 which is arranged in the inside and is attached to the drum 3. An extended second air passage 44 and an air passage switching unit 42 that connects the first air passage 43 and the second air passage 44 to the drum 3 by the control unit 28 may be provided.

[2-2. motion]
The operation and effect of the clothes processing machine constructed as described above will be described below. Under the control of the control unit 28, the clothing processing machine performs the setting process (step S1), the sterilization and deodorization process (step S2), the washing process (step S3), and the rinsing process (step S4) as in the first embodiment. , a dehydration step (step S5), a fine particle supply step (step S6), and a drying step (step S7) are performed.

A time chart of the clothes processing machine is shown in FIG. In the sterilization and deodorization process, the control unit 28 controls the air path switching unit 42 to send the airflow flowing through the air path 21 to the first air path 43, and the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation unit 25 is transferred to the first air path 43. It is discharged into the drum 3 from one outlet 27a. In addition, in the fine particle supply step, the control unit 28 controls the air path switching unit 42 to send the airflow flowing through the air path 21 to the second air path 44, and the metal fine particles generated by the fine particle supply unit 26 are transferred to the second air path 44. It is discharged into the drum 3 from the second outlet 27b.

The control unit 28 may set the intensity of the airflow generated by the airflow generation unit 22 to be the same in the sterilization/deodorization process and the fine particle supply process, or may make the fine particle supply process stronger than the sterilization/deodorization process. .

Further, the control unit 28 may control the airflow generation unit 22 so that the generation time of the airflow in the fine particle supply step is longer than the generation time of the airflow in the sterilization and deodorization step ((t1+t2) in FIG. 8). <t3).

[2-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the clothes processing machine includes the drum 3 (accommodating portion) that accommodates the clothes 30 and the active oxygen that releases active oxygen for sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 into the drum 3. An oxygen generator 25 , a fine particle supply unit 26 for releasing metal fine particles for suppressing oxidation of the clothes 30 into the drum 3 , and a control unit 28 for controlling the active oxygen generator 25 and the fine particle supply unit 26 . The fine particle supply unit 26 has a discharge electrode 34b and a counter electrode 35b. The discharge electrode 34b contains metal and is configured to emit metal fine particles by generating a discharge phenomenon.

In the present embodiment, the clothes processing machine has an active oxygen generating section 25 arranged therein, a first air passage 43 extending from the drum 3, and a fine particle supply section 26 arranged therein. a second air passage 44 extending to the drum 3; You may prepare.

With this configuration, the clothes processing machine can switch between the first air passage 43 and the second air passage 44, so that the active oxygen species and the metal fine particles are separated from each other in the drum 3 without affecting the mutual generation state. of clothes 30 can be efficiently fed. Also, the clothes processing machine can be provided with a first air passage 43 suitable for active oxygen and a second air passage 44 suitable for fine metal particles.

(Embodiment 3)
Embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. FIG.

[3-1. Constitution]
In Embodiments 1 and 2, the clothes processing machine is configured to perform the washing process, the rinsing process, the dewatering process, and the drying process for the clothes 30 . The clothes processing machine according to the third embodiment does not have these functions, and performs the disinfecting and deodorizing process so as to disinfect and/or deodorize the clothes 30 and suppress the oxidation of the clothes 30 while storing the clothes 30. and a fine particle supply step.

The clothes processing machine of this embodiment can be used for things that cannot be wetted with water, such as stuffed animals, hats, bags, and shoes. Also, the clothes processing machine of the present embodiment can be used for materials that are difficult to wash normally, such as those made of fibers, which require a large amount of water.

Other configurations are the same as those in Embodiments 1 and 2, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are provided by the descriptions of Embodiments 1 and 2. do.

As shown in FIG. 9, the clothes processing machine of Embodiment 3 has a storage section 45 forming a storage space in which the clothes 30 are stored. Inside the housing portion 45, a rod-shaped clothing holding portion 46 that extends across the width direction of the housing portion 45 and a swinging portion 47 that is connected to one or both ends of the clothing holding portion 46 are arranged. there is The oscillating portion 47 corresponds to the driving portion 8 in the first and second embodiments, and will be described assuming a driving portion such as a motor. The configuration and operation of the rocking portion 47 are not limited to those of the present embodiment as long as the clothing 30 is rocked. For example, the swinging portion 47 may be configured to vibrate the clothing holding portion 46 .

The clothes processing machine includes a storage part 45 that stores the clothes 30, an active oxygen generator 25 that releases active oxygen for sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 into the storage part 45, and suppresses oxidation of the clothes 30. A microparticle supply unit 26 for discharging metal microparticles into the storage unit 45 and a control unit 28 for controlling the active oxygen generation unit 25 and the microparticle supply unit 26 are provided. The fine particle supply unit 26 has a discharge electrode 34b and a counter electrode 35b. The discharge electrode 34b contains metal and is configured to emit metal fine particles by generating a discharge phenomenon.

The clothing 30 is suspended and held by the clothing holding portion 46 by the user. The swinging portion 47 is configured, for example, to rotate the clothes holding portion 46 forward and backward about the axis of the clothes holding portion 46 in order to swing the clothes 30 . In the clothes processing machine, the clothes 30 are moved together with the movement of the clothes holding part 46, preventing the clothes 30 from being entangled or overlapping, and suppressing uneven adhesion of released active oxygen and metal fine particles.

The active oxygen generation section 25 is connected to the air passage 48 and the air flow generation section 22 via the first air passage 43 and the air passage switching section 42 . In addition, the fine particle supply unit 26 is connected to the air passage 48 and the air flow generation unit 22 via the second air passage 44 and the air passage switching unit 42 . The active oxygen generation unit 25 and the fine particle supply unit 26 are provided above the clothing holding unit 46 in the storage unit 45, and supply active oxygen and metal fine particles from the upper side of the clothing 30 suspended and held by the clothing holding unit 46. discharge.

The active oxygen generating section 25 and the fine particle supplying section 26 are separately provided in the housing section 45 . For example, by providing the fine particle supply unit 26 above the clothing holding unit 46, the metal fine particles discharged from the fine particle supply unit 26 can be brought into contact with the clothing 30 from above without going against gravity. Moreover, since active oxygen floats in space for a long time, the active oxygen generator 25 may be provided at a position other than the upper side of the clothing holding part 46 .

As in the first and second embodiments, although not shown, the clothes processing machine has the active oxygen generator 25 and the fine particle supply unit 26 arranged therein and extended to the storage unit 45. an air flow path 48, and an air flow generation section 22 that generates an air flow that transports the active oxygen released from the active oxygen generation section 25 and the metal fine particles released from the fine particle supply section 26 toward the housing section 45 through the air path 48; , may be provided. The fine particle supply unit 26 may be provided on the airflow downstream side of the active oxygen generation unit 25 in the air passage 48 .

Further, the clothes processing machine may include a second airflow generation section (not shown) provided separately from the airflow generation section 22 to generate an upward airflow in the accommodation section 45, for example. Since the direction of the airflow from the second airflow generating section is opposite to the direction of gravity acting on the metal microparticles, the period during which the metal microparticles float in the internal space of the housing section 45 is lengthened. As a result, the amount of fine metal particles that fall without adhering to clothing 30 is reduced. Alternatively, the clothing 30 may be swung by an upward air current.

Although not shown, the active oxygen generating section 25 is provided in the first air passage 43, the fine particle supply section 26 is provided in the second air passage 44, and the second A configuration in which one discharge port 27a (not shown) and a second discharge port 27b (not shown) are provided on the upper side of the clothing holding portion 46 may be employed. In other words, the installation positions of the active oxygen generating section 25 and the fine particle supplying section 26 do not have to be above the clothing holding section 46 .

[3-2. motion]
The operation and effect of the clothes processing machine constructed as described above will be described below. FIG. 10 shows an operational flow chart of the clothes processing machine.

As shown in FIG. 10, the clothes processing machine executes a setting process (step S1), a sterilization/deodorization process (step S2), and a fine particle supply process (step S6) under the control of the control unit 28. FIG. In the setting process, the user can set to omit either the sterilization/deodorization process or the fine particle supply process according to the desired operation course.

Moreover, although not shown, the clothes processing machine may perform the drying process of Embodiments 1 and 2 between the setting process (step S1) and the disinfecting and deodorizing process (step S2). As a result, by performing the sterilization and deodorization process after drying the clothes 30, it is possible to sterilize and/or deodorize the clothes 30 that have been wet in the rain, for example, and to prevent the clothes from being oxidized by active oxygen. becomes.

That is, the clothes processing machine includes a sterilization and deodorization step of disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 by the active oxygen generator 25 and a fine particle supply step of suppressing oxidation of the clothes 30 by the fine particle supply unit 26. . The control unit 28 may be configured to perform the fine particle supply step after performing the sterilization and deodorization step.

First, the user opens an openable and closable door (not shown) provided in the storage section 45 and suspends and holds the clothing 30 on the clothing holding section 46 . The user turns on the power switch (not shown) of the operation panel (not shown) provided with the accommodation portion 45 before or after the clothing 30 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 45, and presses the selection switch (not shown). is operated to select an operation course, and a start switch (not shown) is operated to start the operation of the clothes processing machine. The control unit 28 executes the following setting steps.

In the setting step (step S<b>1 ), the cloth amount detector 33 of the clothes processing machine detects the cloth amount of the clothes 30 accommodated in the container 45 . The control section 28 controls the swing section 47 to swing the clothing holding section 46 . At this time, based on the torque applied to the swinging portion 47 and/or the current flowing through the swinging portion 47, the cloth amount detection portion 33 detects the amount of the clothes 30 suspended on the clothes holding portion 46. is detected and output to the control unit 28 as laundry amount information.

The controller 28 determines, for example, the following setting items based on the laundry amount information from the laundry amount detector 33 .
- The time length of the sterilization deodorization process and the fine particle supply process.
- The operation pattern of the swing unit 47 and the operation pattern of the airflow generation unit 22 in the sterilization deodorization process and the fine particle supply process.
- Generation timing and generation amount of active oxygen in the sterilization and deodorization step (for example, current value flowing to the counter electrode 35a).
- Generation timing and supply amount of metal fine particles in the fine particle supply step (for example, current value flowing through the counter electrode 35b).

When the setting process (step S1) of the clothing processing machine ends, that is, when the control section 28 completes the setting of the above-described setting items (time length of each process, etc.), the clothing processing machine starts the disinfecting and deodorizing process (step S1). S2), and the fine particle supply step (step S6) are executed. A time chart of the clothes processing machine is shown in FIG.

In the sterilization and deodorization step (step S2), the control section 28 controls the active oxygen generation section 25, the airflow generation section 22, the air path switching section 42 and the swing section 47.

The control unit 28 releases active oxygen from the active oxygen generating unit 25 and controls the rocking unit 47 to rock the clothing holding unit 46 . When the swinging portion 47 swings the clothing holding portion 46 , the clothing 30 suspended from the clothing holding portion 46 swings below the active oxygen generating portion 25 . Since the active oxygen drops from the swinging clothing 30 , the active oxygen adheres to various parts of the clothing 30 . As a result, disinfection and/or deodorization can be promoted while spreading the clothing 30 .

Further, for example, the control section 28 may switch the swinging motion of the swinging section 47 according to the amount of clothing 30 . For example, when the cloth amount of the clothes 30 detected by the cloth amount detection unit 33 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is conceivable that the number of hanging clothes 30 is small and the space between the hanging clothes 30 is large. Therefore, when the cloth amount of the clothes 30 is small, the control section 28 may stop the swing section 47 .

In addition, the clothes processing machine includes an active oxygen concentration detection unit (not shown) that measures the concentration of active oxygen in the storage unit 45, and the control unit 28 controls the concentration of active oxygen in the storage unit 45 to be in a constant state or The active oxygen generator 25 may be stopped when it is determined that the predetermined value has been reached.

In the clothes processing machine of the third embodiment, the control unit 28 stops the airflow generating unit 22 and the swinging unit 47 after the discharge of active oxygen is completed. Moreover, the control unit 28 may continue to operate the airflow generating unit 22 and/or the swinging unit 47 after the discharge of active oxygen is finished.

Note that the control unit 28 may start controlling the swinging unit 47 and/or the airflow generating unit 22 before or after starting control over the active oxygen generating unit 25 .

After completing the sterilization and deodorization step (step S2), the control unit 28 executes the fine particle supply step (step S6). That is, the control section 28 controls the fine particle supply section 26 , the airflow generation section 22 , the air path switching section 42 and the swing section 47 .

The control unit 28 discharges the metal fine particles from the fine particle supply unit 26 and controls the swing unit 47 to swing the clothing holding unit 46 . When the swinging section 47 swings the clothing holding section 46 , the clothing 30 suspended from the clothing holding section 46 swings below the fine particle supply section 26 . Since the fine metal particles fall from the swinging clothes 30 , the fine metal particles adhere to various parts of the clothes 30 .

The sterilization and deodorizing effect of active oxygen is obtained by contacting the surface of the clothing 30 with the active oxygen, whereas the anti-oxidation effect of the metal fine particles is obtained by carrying the metal fine particles on the surface of the clothing 30. can get.

The control unit 28 makes the concentration of active oxygen in the storage unit 45 uniform by largely rocking the clothing holding unit 46 by the rocking unit 47 in the fine particle supply process, and disinfects and/or deodorizes the clothing 30 while spreading it. can promote

On the other hand, the control unit 28 promotes carrying of the metal microparticles on the surface of the clothing 30 by making the swinging of the clothing holding unit 46 by the swinging unit 47 in the fine particle supply process smaller than that in the sterilization and deodorization process. Let As a result, it is possible to carry out sterilization and/or deodorization while spreading the clothes 30 in the sterilization and deodorization process, and to increase the amount of metal fine particles supported on the clothes 30 in the fine particle supply process.

It should be noted that the rocking motion of the rocking portion 47 may be stopped for a predetermined period of time. Further, the control section 28 may control the swinging section 47 to swing the clothing 30 continuously. Thereby, the clothes processing machine can promote adhesion of the fine metal particles to the surface of the clothes 30 .

Further, for example, the control section 28 may switch the swinging motion of the swinging section 47 according to the amount of clothing 30 . For example, when the cloth amount of the clothes 30 detected by the cloth amount detection unit 33 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is conceivable that the number of hanging clothes 30 is small and the space between the hanging clothes 30 is large. Therefore, when the cloth amount of the clothes 30 is small, the control section 28 may stop the swing section 47 .

Further, the clothes processing machine includes a fine particle concentration detection unit (not shown) that measures the concentration of the fine metal particles in the storage unit 45, and the control unit 28 controls the state in which the concentration of the fine metal particles in the storage unit 45 is constant or The fine particle supply unit 26 may be stopped when it is determined that the predetermined value has been reached.

Note that the control unit 28 may start controlling the swinging unit 47 and/or the airflow generating unit 22 before or after starting control of the fine particle supply unit 26 .

Further, if the control unit 28 continues to operate the second airflow generation unit even after the discharge of the metal fine particles is finished, the period during which the metal fine particles are suspended in the drum 3 is lengthened, and the metal fine particles are discharged to the clothing 30 . can promote adhesion to Further, if the control unit 28 continues to operate the swinging unit 47 after the end of the discharge, the clothes 30 are swung, and the adhesion of the metal microparticles to various parts of the clothes 30 can be facilitated. It should be noted that the control section 28 may terminate the operation of the clothes processing machine without operating the second airflow generating section and the swinging section 47 at the predetermined time t4.

As in Embodiments 1 and 2, the control unit 28 controls the flow rate and/or generation time of the airflow when suppressing the oxidation of the clothes 30 by the fine particle supply unit 26 to the active oxygen generation unit 25. may be configured to be larger than the airflow when the clothing 30 is disinfected and/or deodorized by the airflow.

As described above, the clothes processing machine includes the clothes holding portion 46 that holds the clothes 30 and the swinging portion 47 that swings the clothes holding portion 46 . The control unit 28 controls the swinging unit 47 to adjust the swinging magnitude of the clothes holding unit 46 when the fine particle supply unit 26 suppresses the oxidation of the clothes 30 by the active oxygen generating unit 25 . It may be configured to be smaller than the swinging motion of the clothing holding portion 46 when disinfecting and/or deodorizing.

[3-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the clothes processing machine includes the drum 3 (accommodating portion) that accommodates the clothes 30 and the active oxygen that releases active oxygen for sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothes 30 into the drum 3. An oxygen generator 25 , a fine particle supply unit 26 for releasing metal fine particles for suppressing oxidation of the clothes 30 into the drum 3 , and a control unit 28 for controlling the active oxygen generator 25 and the fine particle supply unit 26 . The fine particle supply unit 26 has a discharge electrode 34b and a counter electrode 35b. The discharge electrode 34b contains metal and is configured to emit metal fine particles by generating a discharge phenomenon.

Further, in the present embodiment, the clothes processing machine includes a clothes holding portion 46 that holds the clothes 30 and a swinging portion 47 that swings the clothes holding portion 46 . The control unit 28 controls the swinging unit 47 to adjust the swinging magnitude of the clothes holding unit 46 when the fine particle supply unit 26 suppresses the oxidation of the clothes 30 by the active oxygen generating unit 25 . It may be configured to be smaller than the swinging motion of the clothing holding portion 46 when disinfecting and/or deodorizing.

With this configuration, the clothes processing machine equalizes the concentration of active oxygen in the storage unit 45, performs sterilization and/or deodorization while spreading the clothes 30, and increases the amount of metal fine particles supported on the clothes 30. becomes possible.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, Embodiments 1 to 3 have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments with modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like. Also, it is possible to combine the components described in the first to third embodiments to form a new embodiment.

Note that the above-described embodiment is for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

In addition, any combination of the components described in the above embodiments, and conversion of the expressions of the present disclosure between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present disclosure. be.

Note that the scope of application of the present disclosure is not limited to the drum-type clothes dryer (washing dryer) or the hang-drying system described in the above embodiment. For example, it may be applied to a pulsator type vertical washing and drying machine.

1 housing 2 water tank 3 drum (accommodating part)
4 suspension mechanism 5 inlet 6 rotating shaft 7 small hole 8 driving part 9 baffle part 10 door part 11 water tank opening 12 sealing member 13 water supply valve 14 water supply path 14a water supply port 15 detergent box 16 drainage port 17 drainage valve 18 drainage path 19 Filter Part 20 Suction Port 21, 48 Air Path 22 Airflow Generation Part 23 Dehumidification Part 24 Heating Part 25 Active Oxygen Generation Part 26 Fine Particle Supply Part 27 Outlet 27a First Outlet 27b Second Outlet 28 Control Part 29 Operation Panel 30 Clothing 31 Rotation detector 32 Water amount detector 33 Cloth amount detector 34a, 34b Discharge electrodes 35a, 35b Counter electrode 36 Supporter 37a, 37b Opening 38a, 38b Voltage application unit 39 Radiation fin 40 Cooling module 42 Air passage switching unit 43 first air passage 44 second air passage 45 housing portion 46 clothing holding portion 47 rocking portion

Claims (7)

a storage unit for storing clothes;
an active oxygen generator that releases active oxygen for sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothes into the housing;
a fine particle supply unit that releases metal fine particles, which are metal fine particles that suppress oxidation of the clothing, into the storage unit;
a control unit that controls the active oxygen generation unit and the fine particle supply unit;
The clothes processing machine, wherein the fine particle supply unit has a discharge electrode and a counter electrode, the discharge electrode contains the metal, and is configured to emit the metal fine particles by generating a discharge phenomenon. The clothes processing machine comprises:
a sterilization and deodorization step of sterilizing and/or deodorizing the clothing by the active oxygen generator;
a fine particle supply step of suppressing oxidation of the clothing by the fine particle supply unit;
The control unit is configured to perform the fine particle supply step after performing the sterilization and deodorization step.
A clothes processing machine according to claim 1. The clothes processing machine comprises:
an air passage in which the active oxygen generation unit and the fine particle supply unit are arranged and which extends to the accommodation unit;
an airflow generation unit that generates an airflow that transports the active oxygen released from the active oxygen generation unit and the metal fine particles released from the fine particle supply unit toward the storage unit through the air passage,
The fine particle supply unit is provided downstream of the airflow from the active oxygen generation unit in the air passage.
3. The clothes processing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The clothes processing machine comprises:
a first air passage in which the active oxygen generating section is arranged and which extends to the accommodating section;
a second air passage in which the fine particle supply unit is arranged and which extends to the storage unit;
an air passage switching unit that connects the first air passage and the second air passage to the housing unit by the control unit;
3. The clothes processing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit adjusts the flow rate and/or the generation time of the airflow when suppressing oxidation of the clothing by the fine particle supply unit to be higher than when disinfecting and/or deodorizing the clothing by the active oxygen generation unit. configured to increase
5. A clothes processing machine according to claim 3 or 4. The clothes processing machine includes a drive unit that rotationally drives the storage unit,
The control unit controls the drive unit to control the rotation speed of the storage unit when the fine particle supply unit suppresses the oxidation of the clothing, and the active oxygen generation unit disinfects and/or disinfects the clothing. configured to lower when performing deodorization,
The clothes processing machine according to any one of claims 1-5. The clothes processing machine includes a clothes holding part that holds the clothes, and a swinging part that swings the clothes holding part,
The control section controls the swinging section so that the amount of swinging of the clothing holding section when the fine particle supply section suppresses oxidation of the clothing is controlled by the active oxygen generating section. configured to be smaller when disinfecting and/or deodorizing,
The clothes processing machine according to any one of claims 1-5.

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